Simple style: The only weekend outfit you need

Adriana Bello

February 25, 2017

Running errands all weekend? Show off your personal style with minimal effort and maximum comfort.

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Saturdays and Sundays are full of fun, and also a million errands. There the days you take care of the rest of your life: supermarket trips, bill paying, a stop at the dry cleaner, and the list just keeps on going. So you need an outfit that can go the distance with you, without making you feel like a slob … or tottering around on 3″ heels. You don’t want to run into an old friend or the school principal while in sweatpants, but you also don’t need to look like a Hollywood star being chased by the paparazzi. So where’s the happy medium?

Because I want to look elegant every day too, but I don’t need to look fabulous while I tote a brood of kids around in a mini vans, either. So I’ve decided to go back to the basics, with these weekend style staples that many of us ladies seem to have forgotten are totally comfortable and acceptable, and can still make us feel like a person of style:

Rock a tee with jeans

Who doesn’t love the weekend jean—that perfect combo of casual, comfortable, and “hey, my butt looks pretty good in these” vibes. Opt for a dark wash if you’re going to be out all day to avoid stains. And you really can’t go wrong with a classic top in a solid color: It could be a simple v-neck blouse, or a button-down shirt with the sleeves 3/4 rolled up, or a simple white tee with a slouchy but elegant cardi layered over the top.

For shoes, choose flats

I know, I know. This is a no-brainer for some of you. But let’s also be honest: We’ve all been tempted to pull a Kate Middleton and wear out our comfiest wedge to give our outfit a little boost. But we all know it’s going to hurt in the caboose and thighs later (and the last thing you want is a twisted ankle, a la Reese Witherspoon in Big Little Lies). So stick to the basics. Opt for some cool sneakers (we recommend the new styles from TOMS), flat sandals, a pair of Converse-style shoes, or pretty ballet flats for that feminine touch. In my opinion, the last of these options is the best because they are as appropriate for an informal get-together as for buying your groceries for the week. If they have a metallic or neutral tone, they are even more versatile.

Keep your makeup minimal

The last thing you want to be worried about while you’re running around like super-mom is an eyeliner smudge or cakey foundation. So keep your weekend beauty routine to the basics: a BB Cream, which is lighter (if you don’t have any on hand, you can make some yourself by mixing a bit of base with skin moisturizing cream), rose blush, mascara and a pretty lipstick or gloss.

Ponytails were invented for a reason

Yup, pull it back ladies! Because the ponytail is darn useful, and can look just as chic as a down-do, without getting in the way. Try wrapping a 1″ piece of your hair around the band of a high ponytail for a functional but fancy look. Or try any one of these messy ponytail options we love.

Smart accessories are your weekend bffs

If you own a car, this part is three times easier because, let’s be honest, your car is kind of like a really big purse some days. So bring a scarf, sunglasses, and a sweater, just in case you need to transform your basic jeans and flats outfit into something a little more substantial (or warm). That way, you can go to the supermarket win the morning, but then add a printed scarf and a casual sweater if you have a doctor’s appointment. A classic watch is indispensable to keep track of your time without having to pull out your cell phone, and you can wear a pair of nice earrings with pearls or stones that go well with practically everything.

And, finally, your real purse … choose a cross-body bag so you have your hands free. Try to use one made of a light material, and only put in it what is truly indispensable. Remember that you are going to carry it for several hours, and the last thing you want is an aching back half-way through the afternoon. These days, a charger or extra battery is almost a necessity for your cell.

Adriana is the editor-in-chief of a fashion and lifestyle magazine in Venezuela. She believes elegance is a matter of good taste, not money. Her fashion icon is Coco Chanel but most of the time she feels like Bridget Jones.